IMPLICATIONS OF BIOMETRICS TECHNOLOGY IN MANAGEMENT OF IDENTITY-BASED CONFLICTS BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Nairobi being a highly populated and cosmopolitan city has faced personal identification challenges due to the influx of people from other countries, impersonation, increased criminal activities, identification of disaster victims, urban refugees, and asylum seekers, and lack of identification documents. The problem of the study was the identification crisis and challenges due to the influx of people into Nairobi City County. The overall objective of this study was to examine the implications of biometrics technology in the management of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: identify the nature and extent of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi; examine the effectiveness of biometric modalities used in the management of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi; assess the challenges and opportunities of biometric modalities employed in the management of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi. The research was guided by Conflict Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The research used descriptive design which is key in increasing the researcher’s familiarity with the problem, gathering information about practical problems, clarifying concepts and formulating a problem for more precise investigation. The researcher targeted a population of 300 respondents; National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) 30, Police officers 20, Registration Officers 30, Forensic officers 10, Fingerprint Officers 80, Huduma Centre staff 60, National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Data officers 30, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Officers 20, Identity Conflict victims 20 spread across Nairobi City County. A quota sampling technique was used based on the officers dealing with biometrics, grouped into series and a minimum number was selected for each set. In addition, purposive sampling was employed and snowball sampling was used to get information from the victims of identity-based conflicts. The sample size was 171. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data focused on the use of questionnaires, and observation checklists for officers dealing with biometrics and in-depth interviews for identity-based conflict victims. Secondary data was obtained from journals and books. Data analysis was done by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists version was used to analyze the data and presented in tables. The study revealed fraud, impersonation, political conflicts, terrorism and cadavers were major sources of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi. Biometrics used in place included fingerprints, face recognition, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), iris and signature. The study revealed that biometrics offered solutions to the timely provision of identification documents and uniquely identifying individuals within Nairobi City County by 51.5% hence solving the identity-based conflict. The study revealed that 40% of government agencies mainly use fingerprints as a key biometric modality in managing identity-based conflicts. Although the Immigration and Registration Act CAP 107 authorizes the use of biometrics in Kenya as a single source of truth on personal identity, 53.33% of respondents argued that the government does not have a clear policy on the use of biometrics. The study concludes that biometrics is effective in the management of identity-based conflicts in Nairobi. The study recommends that stakeholder consultative processes be adopted to seek further ways of strengthening existing policies. Furthermore, a biometrics body be formed to encourage research and informed decisions in terms of biometric use in identity-based conflicts. This will help in identifying the loopholes that cause identity-based conflicts and formulate protection mechanisms in service deliveries through the use of biometrics. It further recommends that the government incorporates other biometric modalities such as iris and DNA in personal identification.